To minimise impact on the Hyundai A-League, a maximum of three players per club have been selected by Milicic for next month’s tournament.

This player selection cap enables the players selected to be exposed to a significant international competition and development opportunity, while easing the impact on each club’s league endeavours.

Milicic’s squad will gather in China in early January for a preparatory camp, which will include an international friendly against Thailand in Shanghai on January 6.

The squad will then play its Group D matches against Syria (January 11), Vietnam (January 14), and Korea Republic (17 January) at the Kunshan Stadium in Jiangsu Province.

“This squad features a mix of European and (Hyundai) A-League based players who will have the opportunity to show their quality both individually and collectively,” said Milicic.

“This group will realise huge benefits in their development by playing against some of the best teams in their age in Asia.

“Playing in and adapting to Asia will present many challenges, but we know the players will improve for these experiences.

“I have been with the senior team for the last four years and I can see how difficult it is in Asia, but also how our senior team has responded to the challenges. Experiencing different playing styles, cultures, atmospheres and traveling overseas helps players develop.

“With a FIFA World Cup just six months away this is the ideal opportunity for these players to impress.

“In our short preparation leading into the tournament we will look to build our foundations and principles of play that we believe in as Australian footballers,” concluded Milicic.

Caltex Socceroo Alex Gersbach is one of eight overseas-based players in the squad.

A top two finish in Group D will be required to propel Australia U23 to the Quarter Finals of the 2018 AFC U23 Championship.

Australia’s results at the 2018 AFC U23 Championship will also impact the team’s seeding for the 2020 AFC U23 Championship, which will double as the qualification tournament for the 2020 Summer Olympics to be held in Tokyo, Japan.